Dumping Syndrome

DISABILITY BENEFIT AND TAX CREDIT

FOR DUMPING SYNDROME

Introduction

Dumping syndrome is a disorder manifested by a number of symptoms characterized by the rapid emptying of undigested gastric contents into the small intestine. This condition usually results from surgeries that have been performed on the stomach, especially if some part of it has been removed.

This syndrome is not necessarily life-threatening, but it can be alarming and uncomfortable to the person suffering from it. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and they usually abate after a while. Dumping syndrome has two phases: the early and late phases, depending on the time of occurrence of the symptoms. The early phase of dumping occurs about 15-30 minutes after consuming a meal, while the late phase can occur at around 1-3 hours after mealtime.

Causes

The occurrence of dumping syndrome is usually due to changes in the gastrointestinal tract after some sort of surgery. This is particularly true when the pylorus (the part of the stomach that is attached to the small intestine) is affected.

In more recent years, the incidence of dumping syndrome has gone up due to the increase in gastric bypass operations for weight loss. The seriousness of the condition is largely influenced by the area affected (removed or bypassed) by the surgery.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms for dumping syndrome will vary depending on the food that triggers the dumping episode, and the timing in which it occurs.

Early dumping syndrome is characterized by abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, dizziness accompanied by sweating and flushing, immediately feeling full even with a small amount of food, palpitations, and headache.

Late dumping syndrome, on the other hand, is manifested by hunger, sweating and flushing, generalized weakness or malaise, dizziness, mental confusion and/or loss of concentration, fainting or passing out, and rapid and irregular heartbeat.

Treatment

Dumping syndrome does not necessarily require meticulous medical treatment. Rather than the condition being treatment, it is most likely managed by your physician through the most obvious means possible: diet modification.

When you are suffering from dumping syndrome, the first thing that your physician would ask you to do is to make some changes in your dietary pattern and eating habits. The following are basic dietary guidelines that you can follow in order to control this condition:

Instead of eating 3 big meals, opt for 5 to 6 smaller meals scheduled throughout the day. With small, frequent feedings, you are able to consume the same amount of food without feeling too full immediately. Meals should be taken slowly, and chewed properly. This way, your stomach will not feel the need to deliver its contents immediately to your small intestine.

Make your serving pieces as small as you can, as solid chunks of food can easily trigger the dumping episodes. Instead of consuming big pieces of meat (which strains your stomach to break it down), you can opt for minced or ground meat.

Fluid consumption with meals should be kept to a minimum. Drinks should be taken some time before or after meals, rather than with it.

Foods that are rich in simple sugars should be limited or avoided altogether as it triggers the dumping process.

Increase intake of foods that are high in soluble fiber, complex carbohydrates, fats and proteins as they delay the process in which your stomach empties its contents.

If diet modification fails in managing your dumping syndrome, your physician might prescribe some medications such as acarbose and octreotide to help you. However, some people need surgery in order to modify their GI tract and prevent further occurrence of the condition.

Disability Tax Credits for Dumping Syndrome

If left unmanaged, dumping syndrome can pose nutritional problems and deficiencies. In order to cope with the circumstance of dealing with dumping syndrome and the toll it can create on your finances, you can allow HandyTax representatives to assist you. Armed with a disability tax certificate duly signed by a qualified medical practitioner, you can be on your way to filing for disability tax credits. Make that call and let HandyTax help you!

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